I can think of multiple facets of my life that I’ve experienced God working or moving me.

I could tell you about my single days, not understanding what I was doing wrong or simply why a relationship failed, until I met my wife. I could tell you about my son being born seven weeks early and having 45-day NICU stay and God granting my wife and I strength and patience, and his medical team the knowledge to treat him appropriately.

Instead I will tell you about my journey to faith. I did not grow up in an overly religious household. My parents are divorced and neither attended church services regularly. I saw my dad just every other weekend. My dad spent a lot of time in the yard doing yard work or cleaning the house and grocery shopping. There wasn’t a lot of “quality” bonding time.

When I was in high school, my dad decided to start attending church. In order to simply spend more time with him, I asked him to wake me up so I could go with him one day. He looked at me, surprised. At first, I didn’t pay much attention or even really follow along.

When our pastor retired, we called a new pastor who was a bit younger, closer to my parents’ age. His sermons were relatable, he used movies and music and everyday things like that to tie his sermon together. Suddenly, he had my attention. Things started clicking and I started paying more and more attention. Eventually I went through confirmation classes.

You see, I didn’t know it at the time, but God used my desire to have a better relationship with my dad to develop a stronger relationship with Him. It took years for me to see this, as a matter of fact it took almost five years for me to realize this. It was when I was studying in college at a local Starbucks, when I met two local Christian bookstore owners, that helped me see these things.

God works when we don’t even realize it. Even writing this has given me the opportunity to reflect and appreciate His work when it easily gets lost or forgotten. Thanks be to God!

Jeffrey Froh
Council Member

Wait for the Lord; Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (Psalms 27:14)

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. (Luke 2:25)

Waiting is hard for me. My impatience often distracts me to issues over which I have no control. When I was young I could not wait for my birthday or Christmas to arrive. The anticipation and excitement for the party or celebration made it hard to concentrate on anything else.

Now I wait for the results of medical tests and procedures. I hope and pray the results will lead to treatment that deal successfully with the symptoms. Now it is not excitement, but worry and fear are the emotions I face. I tend to dwell on the bad possible outcomes and worry what those could mean for the future.

I find great comfort in prayer and scripture at times like these. I need to trust that the God who created me wants only the best for my life and the lives of those I love. I need to remember how God has answered my prayers in the past, not always the way I had hoped but in the end better than I thought possible.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to wait on your time for the struggles in my life. Let me focus on all the blessings you have given me during my life. Give me the knowledge that you will meet my needs in your time. I know you want the best for me and all your children. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Jim Hahn, Pastoral Assistant

 

In our family, Advent is usually a time of extremes. A typical Advent season in our family is trying to shove as many things as possible into the three or four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Last December brought the following: 24 hours of music rehearsals, 12 performances, 150 students, teachers and parents to The Nutcracker, 450 hyped-up students, grading countless papers and assignments, mourning the loss of our last Grandparent, a four-year-old who finally “gets” Christmas (at least the Santa part), three get-togethers, Christmas dinner for the family, and a partridge in a pear tree. Ok, maybe not the last one, but you get the idea!

This December, our calendar is empty…and that’s ok (or at least we are trying to accept this as ok)! Are you like us? Are you feeling sorrow for the lack of things to do,  people to see, places to go, and concerts this season? Could there be a blessing of finding joy in the missing out? Is God granting us the “more time” we always ask for?

We are trying to focus our hearts and minds on where we can find peace and joy this Advent season. We have been forced to take a breath, to find peace and look forward to His coming.

How will you accept this lack of busyness to truly prepare for the birth of our Savior? Join us in the journey of Advent, and accept the beautiful gift of time and quiet God has given us.

Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24:44)

“I am looking for a savior I can see and know and touch, one who dwells within the midst of us. May a broken God be known within the earth beneath our feet, let our souls behold humility.” (From “Looking for a Savoir” by United Pursuit)

Scott & Sheri Greger, Choir, CRASH volunteers

 

We all find ourselves in a different world these past few months. Some days it’s hard to remember our “normal” life. But even in our normal lives, we’ve also experienced the joys and sorrows of our everyday life. We, as Christians, all wait for the promise of God, for eternal life and being welcomed into God’s kingdom. God’s promise to all believers is that we will endure the trials of this world. And with faith in God, we will see His promise through these days.

My own personal journey through this life has brought me through many trials and tribulations. I take comfort in favorite Bible passages.

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5:)

I [Jesus] have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

So how do we celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus into our world during Advent, especially during this pandemic?

Pray. This may seem obvious, or even trite, but it’s vital. Also, pray specifically. Examine yourself to see where your anxieties are coming from. What exactly are you most afraid of? Pray specifically about that. Not just asking God to end the trial, but to accomplish his good and perfect will in and through it, both in your life and in your nation and around the world.

Read his Word. Get into all of God’s Word for yourself. See how he has been faithful all throughout history. God is good, he is kind, he is faithful, he will never forsake us, he is completing his good plan.

Listen to worship music. Turn off the news. Shut off social media. Turn on some worship music (maybe listen to some of the old hymns). A new favorite hymn that brings me hope is “He Never Failed Me Yet.” Here’s a link to that hymn for you to enjoy.

Talk to a Christian friend. Pick up the phone and call or video chat a trusted Christian friend.

Look back. Take time to review your life and recall how God has been faithful to you in the past. He was faithful then; he will be faithful again. If you’ve kept a prayer or regular journal, flip through it and see how God has answered your prayers.

Linda Elder

Knit Wit, Choir

 

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.… For to us a child is born, to us a son is given….” (Isaiah 9:2, 6)

Maybe Advent is the right time, if there ever was such a thing, for a pandemic. A time of darkness and challenge, a time of anticipation and hope, a time of waiting and longing for the Light of the World to come and save us.

After months of caution and quarantining, this year I find myself craving the familiar annual events that are usually too much for me — neighborhood parties, Christmas parades, awkward family gatherings and, surprise, surprise, even the frenetic shopping.

Instead of those people-based activities and knowing gathering together is too much of a risk for the people I love, I’m hoping to exhaust myself in the outdoors, despite the cold and the dark. Walks in Minooka Park, a habit we started this fall; fires in the yard; raking and physically taxing yard work. Maybe even skiing, if we get snow before Christmas and I feel like a challenge. Lord knows, I’ve tried and failed at skiing before.

But I’m mostly looking forward to the times in my house, in hearth and home: quiet meals with just my family, puzzles at the dining room table, and warm fires in the fireplace. And fires outdoors with my neighbors and close friends. But not too close, please, keep six feet and bring your own beverages.

So as the days get shorter, let’s remember to hold on to who and what we can this Advent. Hug that snarly teen. Pet the stinky old dog. Embrace the cold and dark weather. Find a challenge — maybe tackle a long-forgotten closet for cleaning. Wait out the quarantine, knowing you’re keeping others safe.

And watch closely like you’d watch a candle burning in the dark. Watch for the flickering and flares, the moments that remind us of God’s love — the sunrises and sunsets, the glistening rain or glittering snow, the warmth of a friend’s word, whether in person, by Zoom or phone, savor the moments of connection with people however they come.

Watch the warm flames wherever you find them and know brighter days are ahead — the coming of the Messiah, the coming of more sunlight, the coming of a vaccine and maybe, if we’re careful in what we do, an abatement in the pandemic. We wait for all these things, patiently or impatiently doesn’t matter now. We wait, too often alone — in the dark, in the quarantines, in our houses, in the hospitals, at our computer — for the birth of the promised one, Emmanuel, God with us.

Hold on to the hope Advent and the coming of Christ offers us during this dark time. Stay safe. Stay centered in your home and hearth. Wash your hands. Wear a mask. Reach out if you need help. Friends are only a phone call away and Christ is coming. Stay safe to see a New Year and better times.

Amy Gilgenbach
Director of Administration

This has been a remarkable year. I’ve seen numerous memes about “restarts,” “starting a new calendar,” “wiping the hard drive,” “doing a system reboot.” You get my drift … and Prayers … people are praying for everything: end to the pandemic, stopping wildfires, feeding the world, healthcare, hurricanes, killer hornets, families, friends, the sick, the dying, first responders, the economy, global warming … and the list grows daily. And, in all our good intentions and our faith grounded in prayer, are we stopping and Listening to what God’s answer is?

I am reminded of the sentiment that the needs of the world are overwhelming. I also hear God saying to me when I am overwhelmed, no one can do it all, but everyone can do something. When we are surrounded and suffocating by everything going on, take the time to pray but more importantly take the time to LISTEN to God’s response.

Pray for control of the pandemic. Then listen…
God has given the world amazing researchers, intelligent physicians, leaders, science, as a way to control the pandemic. Listen, and share what you learn.

Pray for the hungry. Then listen….
Does the food pantry need help? Does your neighbor need groceries?
Does the Hope Center need fruit cups?
Does the man on the street, scrounging for a discarded cigarette, need $5 for a meal?
Can you send $10 overseas to buy food?

Pray for the sick. Then listen….. The answer is not always instant healing.

Thoughts and prayers are great, but have you told someone that you are praying for them? Have you offered to spend an hour with them? Can you offer a reprieve to an overwhelmed family?

I’m sure you can put together a list for each prayer you pray. But the important message is to listen to what God’s answer is for you.

It may be a sense of comfort that you feel as God enters your heart.
It may be a sense of hope that you feel, when your prayer doesn’t seem to have been answered … but suddenly there is a light in the darkness.
It may be the sudden urge to involve yourself in a food drive, or accept a leadership position, or help a refugee.
It may be the determination that from now on, you will reduce your carbon footprint to help with global warming.

It may be “the wink” that God sends when someone who is right in front of you needs you at that moment…LISTEN!!

Dear Lord, as you have heard me, so may I hear you. Amen.

Kathy Williams
Volunteer

The holidays have always been a time in my life for family and connection with all six of my children in which we can be together as a family. This year will be different for me and perhaps we all can ask the question, “What will our holidays look like this year in 2020?”

The pandemic may change decades of tradition. Church services and Christmas meals with loved ones will be different. We need to continue with our creative energy because so many of us have become emotionally exhausted with changing everything from “what was to what is…”

Advent is a season of preparation and waiting for the celebration of the birth of Christ. Each day offers us a chance to light a fire in our hearts. It is a time to strengthen our own relationship with God. It is also a time to look to relationships that surround us in family, friends, and all of who reflects God’s love. It is a season of peace, hope, and love.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, master of both the light and the darkness. Help us to hear your voice. Touch us once again. Give us the courage to be your beloved. Give us courage to choose joy and make our lives a place of warmth and faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Brenda Lytle
Director of Care Ministries

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. (Isaiah 9:2)

As Christians, we are on a mission in the world. Just as the star over Bethlehem shone to help the three magi find the baby Jesus, we have been placed in our cities, jobs and with our families at this moment and for a specific purpose. The joy and peace God gives us, especially in the midst of difficulties, shine brightly into a world groaning with despair.

I feel this most during Advent, and most especially this year. The angel said that Christmas would bring “great joy…. for all the people.” Really? For many Christmas is a source of stress. They feel pressure, not pleasure when it comes to Christmas. They endure it rather than enjoy it. There are many possible reasons for this. Maybe their financial resources are strained and there is only enough money for basic necessities. Maybe relationships are strained in their family. Christmas may remind them of losses or hurts or how things have changed. And during a pandemic the angst of “to gather or not to gather” weighs heavy. Perhaps for some, it’s just hard to find the light in all of the darkness.

And yet, Christmas is not just the Good News, it’s the best news we can get! We may use the tree, lights, cookies, presents and music to celebrate this news, but none of it is necessary. Beneath all the visible sights and sounds of Christmas are some simple but profound truths. God’s love and his gift to us in Jesus is priceless. Jesus paid for it with his life, and it’s the only gift that will last forever. It’s the only gift we need; it’s the only gift we need to share.
When we are faithful in this knowledge, giving thanks and praise to God even in the midst of challenges or pandemics, the light of His love shines through us for all to see, particularly for those that need it most. O come all ye faithful and shine with me!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, you are the mighty God. You sent your Son and performed the final sacrifice, and you deserve all of my praise. As I feel the weight of this life and my circumstances, please show me what the birth of Jesus means to me and to the world in this moment. Make me a light to shine for those who don’t know the freedom He gives, or the love He has for them. Thank you for loving me, always. In your Son’s precious name, I pray. Amen.

Chris Holloway
Council Member